Political Storm Erupts in J&K Over Plaque With National Emblem at Holy Site; Leaders Demand Accountability
Emblem Controversy Sparks Outrage at Hazratbal Shrine
A recent incident at the Hazratbal shrine in Jammu and Kashmir has triggered political controversy and public outrage after devotees vandalised a plaque bearing the national emblem. The defacement occurred during Eid-e-Milad celebrations, leading to a broader debate over the appropriateness of installing such symbols at religious places.
Omar Abdullah: “Why Have National Emblem at a Religious Site?”
Former J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah criticized the decision to install the national emblem at the shrine, calling it an unnecessary and insensitive move that has hurt religious sentiments.
“Why was there a need to have the emblem on the foundation stone? I’ve never seen the national emblem used at any religious site or ceremony,” Abdullah said.
He pointed out that even Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, who shaped the shrine in its current form, never installed plaques for recognition.
“Good work speaks for itself. There’s no need for plaques,” he added.
Background: What Happened at Hazratbal?
- Location: Dargah Hazratbal, a revered Islamic shrine on the banks of Dal Lake.
- Occasion: Large gathering for Eid-e-Milad.
- Incident: Devotees defaced a plaque featuring the national emblem, placed by the Waqf Board.
- Motive: Slogans were raised against the Waqf Board, expressing discontent over the emblem’s presence.
Political Reactions: Divided Opinions
BJP Calls It a “Terrorist Attack”
- Darakhshan Andrabi, BJP leader and Waqf Board Chairperson, termed it a “terrorist act”.
- She demanded FIRs under the Public Safety Act (PSA) and lifetime bans from the dargah for those involved.
- “They damaged the dignity of the dargah,” she stated.
Mehbooba Mufti: “Not Against the Emblem”
- Former CM Mehbooba Mufti urged calm and said the act was driven by emotion, not anti-national sentiment.
- She argued against invoking the PSA and instead suggested action under Section 295-A (hurting religious sentiments).
- She blamed the Waqf Board for the insensitivity that triggered the unrest.
Omar Abdullah Calls It a “Mistake”
Omar Abdullah emphasized that government symbols like the national emblem are meant for official functions, not places of worship:
“Mosques, temples, gurdwaras — these are religious spaces. Government symbols don’t belong there. The plaque shouldn’t have been installed at all.”
He urged authorities to apologize for hurting public sentiments and to be more sensitive when installing state symbols in religious environments.
Key Takeaways
- A plaque featuring the national emblem at Hazratbal shrine was vandalized by devotees.
- Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti criticized the decision to place the emblem at a religious site.
- BJP leaders demand strict legal action, calling it an act of terrorism.
- The event has polarized political and public opinion, raising questions about the intersection of religion and state symbolism.
The Hazratbal plaque controversy has once again brought into focus the delicate balance between state authority and religious sanctity in Jammu and Kashmir. As political leaders take opposing stands, one central question remains: Should symbols of the state be present in religious places at all?
